This won't come as a surprise to many of those who work in a classroom: Teacher morale is at a historic low.

Teacher satisfaction has dropped by 23 percent since 2008, according to the MetLife Survey of the American Teacher, an annual report on the education profession. Just 39 percent of teachers say they are very satisfied with their chosen profession, compared with 62 percent in 2008.

The Obama administration has made significant changes to public schools, which has clearly put additional stress on teachers, according to the survey results. The nation's economic crisis also has had a dire effect on many schools. In New York alone, 35,000 education jobs have been cut in the last five years.

What's more, 51 percent of teachers reported feeling under great stress several days a week. That's up from 36 percent who reported the same stress level in 1985, when the survey began.

Most of the survey's findings are similarly bleak. That's to be expected at a time when school budgets are being cut and new national standards are raising expectations. In a number of states, including New York, new teacher evaluation systems increase stress loads.

Most educators, 56 percent, report that their school's budget has decreased in the past 12 months, according to the survey.

Top education dollar

The nation's most expensive schools list is out and one local college made the Top 10.

Two other New York schools made the list as well. Columbia University came in No. 1 at $47,246 in tuition and fees. It was ranked No. 4 on the national universities list. Vassar College came in at No. 2 on the list at $46,270, putting it at No. 10 on the national liberal arts colleges list. Nearby Williams College in Massachusetts rounded out the Top 10 most-expensive list. Tuition and fees cost $44,920 at Williams. It was ranked the No. 1 liberal arts college in the nation by U.S. News.

Anytime tuition and private schools is mentioned, it's important to know that many, if not most, students pay far less than the sticker price. The tuition is a shell game of sorts, where a certain number of students pay full price and essentially subsidize others who are given financial aid. For some students, the net cost at many private colleges and universities ends up being less than tuition at a public school.